Non-zero dispersion shifted optical fiber

ABSTRACT

An optical waveguide fiber including a central core region extending radially outward from the centerline and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent profile. The optical fiber exhibits an effective area of greater than about 60 μm 2  at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a dispersion slope of less than 0.07 ps/nm 2 /km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of less than about 1450 nm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/546,492 filed on Feb. 20, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to non-zero dispersion shifted optical fibers (NZDSF), or NZDS fibers, or NZ-DSF's.

2. Technical Background

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems have operated around the 1550 nm wavelength region, defined herein as including the C-band, which includes wavelengths between about 1525 nm to about 1565, and the L-band, which includes wavelengths between about 1565 nm to about 1625 nm. Some known fibers have a zero dispersion wavelength located outside the operation window which may help prevent nonlinear penalties such as four-wave mixing (FWM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM). However, the zero dispersion wavelength of known NZDSF fibers is typically within 100 nm of 1550 nm in order to reduce the magnitude of the dispersion of a transmitted signal in the 1550 nm operating window so as to allow longer span lengths and less frequent dispersion compensation.

Preferably, coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) systems and applications operate in the WDM 1550 nm window, i.e. in the C-and L-bands, in the S-band (between about 1450 nm and about 1525 run), and in the 1310 nm window (between about 1280 nm and about 1330 nm).

Known fibers have optical characteristics which are suitable for operation in specific windows. For example, standard single mode transmission fibers, such as the SMF-28™ optical fiber manufactured by Coming Incorporated, have a zero dispersion wavelength at or near 1310 nm, and such fibers can perform suitably in the 1310 nm window. The dispersion exhibited by such optical fiber at 1550 nm is around 17 ps/nm/km, which is larger than the dispersion at 1550 nm of typical NZDSF fiber, and which can require frequent dispersion compensation. NZDSF optical fiber can perform suitably in the 1550 nm window. Examples of NZDSF fiber include: LEAF® fiber by Corning Incorporated which has an average zero dispersion wavelength near 1500 nm and a dispersion slope of about 0.08 ps/nm/km at about 1550 nm, Submarine LEAF® fiber by Corning Incorporated which has an average zero dispersion wavelength near 1590 nm and a dispersion slope of about 0.1 ps/nm/km at about 1550 nm, MetroCor® fiber by Corning Incorporated which has a zero dispersion wavelength near 1650 nm, and Truewave RS™ fiber by Lucent Corporation which has a zero dispersion wavelength of about 1450 nm. However, the magnitude of the dispersion in the 1310 nm window of these NZDSF optical fibers is not low, and many NZDSF fibers have specified cable cutoff wavelengths which are greater than 1260 nm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an optical waveguide fiber including a central core region extending radially outward from the centerline and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent profile. The optical fiber exhibits an effective area of greater than about 60 μm² at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a dispersion slope of less than 0.07 ps/nm²/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of less than about 1450 nm, preferably less than 1430 nm, more preferably between 1350 and 1430 nm, even more preferably between 1380 and 1420 nm.

In preferred embodiments, the effective area at a wavelength of about 1550 nm is greater than about 60 μm², preferably between about 60 μm² and 70 μm², the dispersion at a wavelength of about 1550 nm is between 6 and 10 ps/nm-km, more preferably between 7 and 9 ps/nm-km, the dispersion slope at a wavelength of about 1550 nm is less than 0.07 ps/nm²/km, more preferably less than 0.06 ps/nm²⁻km, and the zero-dispersion wavelength is less than about 1450 nm, preferably less than 1430 nm, more preferably between 1350 and 1430 nm, even more preferably between 1380 and 1420 nm.

In preferred embodiments, the optical waveguide fiber comprises a central core region extending radially outward from the centerline to a radius R₁ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1,MAX), wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>0.6%, a first annular region surrounding the central core region and extending to a radius R₂ and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r), with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2,MIN), a second annular region surrounding the first annular region and extending to a radius R₃ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), and an outer annular cladding region surrounding the second annular region and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r), wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0, and wherein the relative refractive index of the optical fiber is selected to provide an effective area of greater than about 60 μm² at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, an attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of less than 0.22 dB/km, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of less than about 1450 nm. Preferably, the relative refractive index of the optical fiber is selected to provide a dispersion slope of less than 0.07 ps/nm²/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, even more preferably less than 0.06 ps/nm²/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm. Preferably, the zero-dispersion wavelength is less than about 1430 nm, more preferably between about 1350 and 1450 nm, even more preferably between about 1350 and 1430 nm. Preferably, the attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm is less than 0.20 dB/km. The optical fiber preferably has a dispersion at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of between 6 and 10 ps/nm-km, more preferably between 7 and 9 ps/nm-km. Preferably, the central core region extends to a radius of between 3 and 5 μm, the first annular region has a width of between about 3 and 7 μm, and a midpoint of between 5 and 8 μm, the second annular region has a width of between about 1 and 5 μm, and a midpoint of between 10 and 12 μm, wherein the outer annular cladding region surrounds and is directly adjacent to the second annular region, wherein the core ends and the outer annular cladding region begins at R₃, and wherein Δ_(c) % (r)=0.

In some preferred embodiments, the central core region comprises a centermost portion extending from the centerline to a radius of 1 μm, and a second portion surrounding and directly adjacent to the centermost portion, wherein the centermost portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(AMAX), wherein the second portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(BMAX), and wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.2%. In one subset of embodiments, Δ_(AMAX)>Δ_(BMAX). In another set of embodiments, Δ_(BMAX)>Δ_(AMAX). In other embodiments, the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.4%.

Preferably, the core ends and the outer annular cladding region begins at R₃, wherein R₃ is between 11 and 18 μm.

Preferably the optical fiber described and disclosed herein allows suitable performance at a plurality of operating wavelength windows between about 1260 nm and about 1650 nm. More preferably, the optical fiber described and disclosed herein allows suitable performance at a plurality of wavelengths from about 1260 nm to about 1650 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber described and disclosed herein is a dual window fiber which can accommodate operation in at least the 1310 nm window and the 1550 nm window.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1–10 show refractive index profiles corresponding to a first set of preferred embodiments of an optical waveguide fiber as disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 shows refractive index profiles corresponding to a second set of preferred embodiments of an optical waveguide fiber as disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 shows refractive index profiles corresponding to a third set of preferred embodiments of an optical waveguide fiber as disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 shows refractive index profiles corresponding to a fourth set of preferred embodiments of an optical waveguide fiber as disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an optical waveguide fiber as disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a fiber optic communication system employing an optical fiber as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the following description together with the claims and appended drawings.

The “refractive index profile” is the relationship between refractive index or relative refractive index and waveguide fiber radius.

The “relative refractive index percent” is defined as Δ %=100×(n_(i) ²−n_(c) ²)/2n_(i) ², where n_(i) is the maximum refractive index in region i, unless otherwise specified, and n_(c) is the average refractive index of the cladding region. As used herein, the relative refractive index is represented by Δ and its values are given in units of “%”, unless otherwise specified. In cases where the refractive index of a region is less than the average refractive index of the cladding region, the relative index percent is negative and is referred to as having a depressed region or depressed index, and is calculated at the point at which the relative index is most negative unless otherwise specified. In cases where the refractive index of a region is greater than the average refractive index of the cladding region, the relative index percent is positive and the region can be said to be raised or to have a positive index. An “updopant” is herein considered to be a dopant which has a propensity to raise the refractive index relative to pure undoped SiO₂. A “downdopant” is herein considered to be a dopant which has a propensity to lower the refractive index relative to pure undoped SiO₂. An updopant may be present in a region of an optical fiber having a negative relative refractive index when accompanied by one or more other dopants which are not updopants. Likewise, one or more other dopants which are not updopants may be present in a region of an optical fiber having a positive relative refractive index. A downdopant may be present in a region of an optical fiber having a positive relative refractive index when accompanied by one or more other dopants which are not downdopants. Likewise, one or more other dopants which are not downdopants may be present in a region of an optical fiber having a negative relative refractive index.

“Chromatic dispersion”, herein referred to as “dispersion” unless otherwise noted, of a waveguide fiber is the sum of the material dispersion, the waveguide dispersion, and the inter-modal dispersion. In the case of single mode waveguide fibers the inter-modal dispersion is zero. Zero dispersion wavelength is a wavelength at which the dispersion has a value of zero. Dispersion slope is the rate of change of dispersion with respect to wavelength.

“Effective area” is defined as: A _(eff)=2π(∫f ² r dr)²/(∫f ⁴ r dr), where the integration limits are 0 to ∞, and f is the transverse component of the electric field associated with light propagated in the waveguide. As used herein, “effective area” or “A_(eff)” refers to optical effective area at a wavelength of 1550 nm unless otherwise noted.

The term “α-profile” refers to a relative refractive index profile, expressed in terms of Δ(r) which is in units of “%”, where r is radius, which follows the equation, Δ(r)=Δ(r _(o))(1−[|r−r _(o)|/(r ₁ −r _(o))]^(α)), where r_(o) is the point at which Δ(r) is maximum, r₁ is the point at which Δ(r) % is zero, and r is in the range r_(i)≦r≦r_(f), where Δ is defined above, r_(i) is the initial point of the α-profile, r_(f) is the final point of the α-profile, and α is an exponent which is a real number.

The mode field diameter (MFD) is measured using the Peterman II method wherein, 2w=MFD, and w=(2∫f² r dr/∫[df/dr]² r dr), the integral limits being 0 to ∞.

The bend resistance of a waveguide fiber can be gauged by induced attenuation under prescribed test conditions.

One type of bend test is the lateral load microbend test. In this so-called “lateral load” test, a prescribed length of waveguide fiber is placed between two flat plates. A #70 wire mesh is attached to one of the plates. A known length of waveguide fiber is sandwiched between the plates and a reference attenuation is measured while the plates are pressed together with a force of 30 newtons. A 70 newton force is then applied tot he plates and the increase in attenuation in dB/m is measured. The increase in attenuation is the lateral load attenuation of the waveguide.

The “pin array” bend test is used to compare relative resistance of waveguide fiber to bending. To perform this test, attenuation loss is measured for a waveguide fiber with essentially no induced bending loss. The waveguide fiber is then woven about the pin array and attenuation again measured. The loss induced by bending is the difference between the two measured attenuations. The pin array is a set of ten cylindrical pins arranged in a single row and held in a fixed vertical position on a flat surface. The pin spacing is 5 mm, center to center. The pin diameter is 0.67 mm. During testing, sufficient tension is applied to make the waveguide fiber conform to a portion of the pin surface.

The theoretical fiber cutoff wavelength, or “theoretical fiber cutoff”, or “theoretical cutoff”, for a given mode, is the wavelength above which guided light cannot propagate in that mode. A mathematical definition can be found in Single Mode Fiber Optics, Jeunhomme, pp. 39–44, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1990 wherein the theoretical fiber cutoff is described as the wavelength at which the mode propagation constant becomes equal to the plane wave propagation constant in the outer cladding. This theoretical wavelength is appropriate for an infinitely long, perfectly straight fiber that has no diameter variations.

The effective fiber cutoff is lower than the theoretical cutoff due to losses that are induced by bending and/or mechanical pressure. In this context, the cutoff refers to the higher of the LP11 and LP02 modes. LP11 and LP02 are generally not distinguished in measurements, but both are evident as steps in the spectral measurement, i.e. no power is observed in the mode at wavelengths longer than the measured cutoff. The actual fiber cutoff can be measured by the standard 2 m fiber cutoff test, FOTP-80 (EIA-TIA-455-80), to yield the “fiber cutoff wavelength”, also known as the “2 m fiber cutoff” or “measured cutoff”. The FOTP-80 standard test is performed to either strip out the higher order modes using a controlled amount of bending, or to normalize the spectral response of the fiber to that of a multimode fiber.

The cabled cutoff wavelength, or “cabled cutoff” is even lower than the measured fiber cutoff due to higher levels of bending and mechanical pressure in the cable environment. The actual cabled condition can be approximated by the cabled cutoff test described in the EIA-445 Fiber Optic Test Procedures, which are part of the EIA-TIA Fiber Optics Standards, that is, the Electronics Industry Alliance—Telecommunications Industry Association Fiber Optics Standards, more commonly known as FOTP's. Cabled cutoff measurement is described in EIA-455-170 Cable Cutoff Wavelength of Single-mode Fiber by Transmitted Power, or “FOTP-170”.

Unless otherwise noted herein, optical properties (such as dispersion, dispersion slope, etc.) are reported for the LP01 mode.

A waveguide fiber telecommunications link, or simply a link, is made up of a transmitter of light signals, a receiver of light signals, and a length of waveguide fiber or fibers having respective ends optically connected to the transmitter and receiver to propagate light signals therebetween. The length of waveguide fiber can be made up of a plurality of shorter lengths that are spliced or connected together in end to end series arrangement. A link can include additional optical components such as optical amplifiers, optical attenuators, optical isolators, optical switches, optical filters, or multiplexing or demultiplexing devices. One may denote a group of inter-connected links as a telecommunications system.

A span of optical fiber as used herein includes a length of optical fiber, or a plurality of optical fibers fused together serially, extending between optical devices, for example between two optical amplifiers, or between a multiplexing device and an optical amplifier. A span may comprise one or more sections of optical fiber as disclosed herein, and may further comprise one or more sections of other optical fiber, for example as selected to achieve a desired system performance or parameter such as residual dispersion at the end of a span.

Various wavelength bands, or operating wavelength ranges, or wavelength windows, can be defined as follows: “1310 nm band” is 1260 to 1360 nm; “E-band” is 1360 to 1460 nm; “S-band” is 1460 to 1530 nm; “C-band” is 1530 to 1565 nm; “L-band” is 1565 to 1625 nm; and “U-band” is 1625 to 1675 nm.

The optical fiber disclosed herein comprises a core and a cladding layer (or cladding) surrounding and directly adjacent the core. The cladding has a refractive index profile, Δ_(CLAD)(r). Preferably, Δ_(CLAD)(r)=0 throughout the cladding. The core comprises a refractive index profile, Δ_(CORE)(r). In preferred embodiments, the core is comprised of a plurality of core portions, each having respective refractive index profiles, for example Δ_(CORE1)(r), Δ_(CORE2)(r), and so on.

Preferably, the core is comprised of silica doped with germanium, i.e. germania doped silica. Dopants other than germanium, singly or in combination, may be employed within the core, and particularly at or near the centerline, of the optical fiber disclosed herein to obtain the desired refractive index and density. In preferred embodiments, the core of the optical fiber disclosed herein has a non-negative refractive index profile, more preferably a positive refractive index profile, wherein the core is surrounded by and directly adjacent to a cladding layer.

Preferably, the refractive index profile of the optical fiber disclosed herein is non-negative from the centerline to the outer radius of the core, r_(CORE). In preferred embodiments, the optical fiber contains no index-decreasing dopants in the core.

Optical waveguide fibers 100 are disclosed herein which preferably comprise: a central region extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a central region outer radius, R₁, and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1MAX); a first annular region (or moat) 30 surrounding the central region 20 and directly adjacent thereto, extending radially outwardly to a first annular region outer radius, R₂, having a width W₂ disposed at a midpoint R_(2MID), and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r) with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2MIN), where Δ₂ % (r)≧0; a second annular region (or ring) 50 surrounding the first annular region 30 and preferably directly adjacent thereto, having a width W₃ disposed at a midpoint R_(3MID), and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r)>0, with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), wherein preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)>0; and an outer annular cladding region 200 surrounding the second annular region 50 and preferably adjacent thereto and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r). The first annular region also has a maximum relative refractive index, Δ_(2,MAX), wherein Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MAX) and preferably Δ_(2MAX)>0. The core ends and the cladding begins at a radius r_(CORE).

In some preferred embodiments, the core may comprise a relative refractive index profile having a so-called centerline dip which may occur as a result of one or more optical fiber manufacturing techniques. However, the centerline dip in any of the refractive index profiles disclosed herein is optional.

The first annular region 30 extends from the R₁ to the outer radius R₂. The width W₂ is defined as the radial distance between R₁ and R₂. The midpoint R_(2MID) occurs in the middle of R₁ and R₂. Preferably, the first annular region 30 is adjacent the central core region 20.

The ring 50 extends from R₂ to the ring outer radius R₃. The ring width W₃ is defined as the radial distance between R₂ and R₃. The ring 50 has a positive relative refractive index profile with a “peak” or a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX). R_(3HHi) marks the first radially inward, or centermost, occurrence of the half-height of Δ_(3,MAX). R_(3HHj) marks the first radially outward occurrence of the half-height of Δ_(3,MAX). The ring half-height peak width HHPW₃ is bounded by inner and outer radii, R_(3HHi) and R_(3HHj), respectively. The midpoint of the ring half-height peak width HHPW₃ occurs at a radius R_(3HHmid) which is half the radial distance between R_(3HHi) and R_(3HHj). Preferably, Δ_(3,MAX) occurs at R_(3HHMID). Preferably, R_(3HHMID) coincides with the middle of the ring 50, R_(3MID), between R₂ and R₃. Preferably, the second annular region 50 is adjacent the first annular region 30.

1^(st) Set of Preferred Embodiments

Tables 1–4 list an illustrative first set of preferred embodiments, Examples 1–10. FIGS. 1–10 show the corresponding refractive index profiles of Examples 1–10 in curves 1–10, respectively.

TABLE 1 Example 1 2 3 4 5 Δ_(1MAX) % 0.705 0.705 1.06 0.79 0.67 Δ_(AMAX) % 0.705 0.705 1.06 0.79 0.67 Δ_(BMAX) % 0.44 0.44 0.40 0.41 0.52 |Δ_(AMAX) − Δ_(BMAX)| μm 0.265 0.265 0.66 0.38 0.15 Δ_(1MAX) − Δ_(BMAX) μm 0.265 0.265 0.66 0.38 0.15 R₁ μm 4 4 3.6 3.6 4.3 R_(1QH) μm 3.45 3.45 3.2 3.5 3.6 α_(1A) 4.5 4.5 4.3 8.1 6.7 α_(1B) 3.1 3.1 8.0 8.0 1.7 Δ_(2,MIN) % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.01 0.01 R₂ μm 8.4 8.4 8.6 8.5 8.3 W₂ μm 4.4 4.4 5 4.9 4 R_(2MID) μm 6.4 6.4 6.1 6.1 6.3 Δ_(3MAX) % 0.095 0.095 0.09 0.09 0.09 R_(3HHi) μm 8.7 8.7 8.5 8.7 8.6 R_(3HHJ) μm 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.2 12.1 HHPW3 μm 3.6 3.6 3.8 3.5 3.5 R_(3HHMID) μm 10.5 10.5 10.4 10.5 10.4 R₃ = R_(CORE) μm 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.5 12.4 W₃ μm 4.2 4.2 4 4 4.1 R_(3MID) μm 10.5 10.5 10.6 10.5 10.4

TABLE 2 Example 1 2 3 4 5 Dispersion @ 1285 nm ps/nm-km −9.5 −9.1 −9.1 −8.9 −9.8 Dispersion @ 1310 nm ps/nm-km −7.4 −7.0 −7.0 −6.9 −7.6 Dispersion @ 1330 nm ps/nm-km −5.8 −5.4 −5.4 −5.4 −6.0 Dispersion @ 1440 nm ps/nm-km 1.9 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.9 Dispersion @ 1530 nm ps/nm-km 7.0 7.3 7.1 7.1 7.3 Dispersion @ 1550 nm ps/nm-km 8.1 8.4 8.2 8.1 8.5 Dispersion @ 1565 nm ps/nm-km 8.9 9.2 9.0 8.9 9.3 Dispersion @ 1625 nm ps/nm-km 12.1 12.3 12.0 12.0 12.6 Slope @ 1550 nm ps/nm²-km 0.054 0.053 0.052 0.052 0.056 Lambda Zero nm 1398 1393 1394 1395 1399 MFD @ 1550 nm um 9.24 9.32 9.11 9.21 9.18 Aeff @ 1550 nm um² 63.1 64.3 61.6 62.9 62.0 Pin Array @ 1550 nm dB 12.2 13.6 11.0 11.6 7.1 Lateral Load @ 1550 nm dB/m 1.6 1.7 1.2 1.4 0.9 Attenuation @ 1550 nm dB/km 0.193 0.194 0.195 0.195 0.192 LP11 nm 1657 1655 1600 1650 1658 Cable Cutoff nm 1219 1217 1162 1212 1220

TABLE 3 Example 6 7 8 9 10 Δ_(1MAX) % 0.702 0.705 0.78 0.702 0.702 Δ_(AMAX) % 0.702 0.705 0.78 0.702 0.702 Δ_(BMAX) % 0.49 0.44 0.44 0.50 0.50 |Δ_(AMAX) − Δ_(BMAX|) μm 0.21 0.27 0.38 0.20 0.20 Δ_(1MAX) − Δ_(BMAX) μm 0.21 0.265 0.34 0.20 0.20 R₁ μm 4 4 3.8 3.9 3.9 R_(1QH) μm 3.4 3.5 3.3 3.4 3.4 α_(1A) 4.4 4.5 4.5 4.5 α_(1B) 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 Δ_(2,MIN) % 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 R₂ μm 8.2 9.9 7.8 9.1 8.7 W₂ μm 4.2 5.9 4 5.2 4.8 R_(2MID) μm 6.1 7 5.8 6.5 6.3 Δ_(3MAX) % 0.095 0.23 0.105 0.106 0.106 R_(3HHi) μm 8.7 10.2 8.6 9.6 9.2 R_(3HHJ) μm 12.6 11.9 12.5 13.7 13.1 HHPW3 μm 3.9 1.7 3.9 4.1 3.9 R_(3HHMID) μm 10.7 11 10.6 11.7 11.2 R₃ = R_(CORE) μm 13 12.1 13.9 14.0 13.5 W₃ μm 4.8 6.2 6.1 4.9 4.8 R_(3MID) μm 10.6 11 10.9 11.6 11.1

TABLE 4 Example 6 7 8 9 10 Dispersion @ 1285 nm ps/nm-km −9.8 −9.7 −9.8 −9.7 −9.7 Dispersion @ 1310 nm ps/nm-km −7.7 −7.6 −7.7 −7.5 −7.6 Dispersion @ 1330 nm ps/nm-km −6.1 −6.0 −6.1 −5.9 −6.0 Dispersion @ 1440 nm ps/nm-km 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.6 Dispersion @ 1530 nm ps/nm-km 7.0 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.9 Dispersion @ 1550 nm ps/nm-km 8.1 8.1 8.1 8.0 8.0 Dispersion @ 1565 nm ps/nm-km 8.9 9.0 8.9 8.8 8.8 Dispersion @ 1625 nm ps/nm-km 12.2 12.2 12.2 11.9 11.9 Slope @ 1550 nm ps/nm²-km 0.056 0.055 0.056 0.054 0.054 Lambda Zero nm 1405 1403 1406 1400 1404 MFD @ 1550 nm um 9.25 9.51 9.33 9.22 9.24 Aeff @ 1550 nm um² 63.1 66.8 64.3 62.7 63.0 Pin Array @ 1550 nm dB 6.7 9.2 7.2 7.1 7.0 Lateral Load @ 1550 nm dB/m 1.4 3.0 1.7 2.5 2.0 Attenuation @ 1550 nm dB/km 0.193 0.192 0.193 0.193 0.193 LP11 nm 1821 1974 1865 2026 1950 Cable Cutoff nm 1072 1225 1015 1176 1100 Fiber Cutoff nm 1322 1475 1264 1426 1350

A preferred embodiment in the first set of preferred embodiments illustrated in FIG. 8, represented by the refractive index profile of Example 8 in curve 8, was fabricated using an OVD method. Example 8 exhibited optical characteristics similar to Example 6.

Referring to FIGS. 1–10, an optical waveguide fiber 100 disclosed herein preferably comprises: a central region extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a central region outer radius, R₁, and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1MAX), the central region comprising a first portion, or centermost portion, the first portion extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a radius, R_(A), and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(AMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX)=Δ_(1MAX), i.e. Δ_(1MAX) occurs in the first portion, the central region further comprising a second portion surrounding and preferably directly adjacent to the first portion, the second portion extending from R_(A) to R₁ and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(BMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX)>Δ_(BMAX); a first annular region (or moat) 30 surrounding the central region 20 and directly adjacent thereto, extending radially outwardly to a first annular region outer radius, R₂, having a width W₂ disposed at a midpoint R_(2MID), and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r) with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2MIN), where Δ₂ % (r)≧0; a second annular region (or ring) 50 surrounding the first annular region 30 and preferably directly adjacent thereto, having a width W₃ disposed at a midpoint R_(3MID), and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r)>0, with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), wherein preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)≧0, more preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)>0; and an outer annular cladding region 200 surrounding the second annular region 50 and preferably adjacent thereto and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r). The core ends and the cladding begins at a radius r_(CORE).

The end of central core region 20, R₁, is preferably the beginning of first annular core region and is defined herein to start at a radius where a straight line approximation, indicated by line 21 which passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH).

Thus, the optical fiber 100 preferably comprises three core segments: center core region 20, first annular core region 30, and second annular core region 50. Preferably Δ_(1,A) % (r) for some, preferably most, of the first portion between the centerline (r=0) and R_(A) has an α-profile with an α_(1A), greater than 2, more preferably greater than 3, even more preferably greater than 4, and in some preferred embodiments greater than 5. In preferred embodiments, α_(1A) is also less than 10. In preferred embodiments, the central core region 20 includes at least a first portion having a step-index relative refractive index profile Δ_(1,A) % (r). The central core region 20 may also comprise a second portion adjacent and surrounding the first portion having Δ_(1,B) % (r). Preferably, the maximum Δ_(1,B) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(BMAX)) is lower than the minimum Δ_(1,A) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(AMAX)). Preferably, the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX), i.e. |Δ_(AMAX)−Δ_(BMAX)|, is greater than 0.1, more preferably greater than 0.2, even more preferably greater than 0.3, still more preferably between 0.3 and 0.7 (in %). In preferred embodiments, the relative refractive index Δ_(1,B) % (r) has an α-profile with an α_(1B), which for some, and preferably most, of the second portion between r=R_(A) and r=R_(B) is preferably between 1 and 10, more preferably between 2 and 9, even more preferably between 2 and 5, and still more preferably between 2 and 4. Preferably, Δ_(1,B) % (r) for r<R₁ is greater than Δ₂ % (r) for R1<r<R2.

Preferably, Δ % (r) is greater than or equal to 0% for radii up to 15 microns, more preferably up to 30 microns, and even more preferably for all radii, i.e. from r=0 at the centerline to r=R,max, where R,max is the outermost radius of the silica-based part of the optical fiber (excluding any coating).

Central region 20 comprises a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₁ %, Δ_(1MAX), between 0.6 and 1.2%, more preferably between 0.7 and 1.1%, even more preferably between 0.7 and 0.8%, and a radius R1 of between about 2 and 6 microns, more preferably between about 3 and 5 microns, as defined by a straight line approximation wherein a straight line passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH). The first portion of the central region 20 ends at a radius of 1 μm. Preferably, the quarter-peak height occurs at a radius between about 2 μm and about 4 μm. Preferably, Δ_(BMAX) is between 0.3 and 0.5%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is between 0.2 and 0.7%, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(1MAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.1% more preferably between 0.1% and 0.7%, and in some preferred embodiments is between 0.15% and 0.4%.

The first annular core region 30 comprises a minimum relative refractive index or minimum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MIN), greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.1%, more preferably greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.05%, and begins at a radius of between about 2 microns and about 6 microns, more preferably at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 5 microns, and most preferably at R₁. The first annular core region 30 may have a maximum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MAX), wherein Δ_(2,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN). Preferably, the moat has a width W₂ of between 3 and 7 μm, more preferably between 4 and 6 μm. Preferably, the moat has a midpoint R_(2MID) between 5 and 8 μm, more preferably between 6 and 7 μm.

The end of the first annular core region 30 and the beginning of second annular core region 50 is defined herein to occur at a radius where a straight line approximation passes tangentially through the half-peak height (at R_(3HHi)) of the centermost side of second annular core region 50 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis. First annular core region 30 ends and second annular core region 50 begins between about 7 microns and about 10 microns, more preferably between about 7 microns and about 9 microns. Second annular core region 50 has a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₃ %, Δ_(3,MAX), of between about 0.05% and 0.15%. The outer annular cladding region or cladding segment 200 is disposed adjacent and surrounding second annular core segment 50, and preferably begins from a radius of between about 11 microns and about 18 microns, more preferably between about 12 microns and about 16 microns. Δ_(1,MAX) is greater than Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ_(2,MIN), and preferably Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ₂(r) at any radius in the first annular region. Thus, Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0. Δ_(2,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(3,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(1,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(1,MAX), and in some preferred embodiments less than 0.3 Δ_(1,MAX). Preferably, the ring has a width W₃ of between 1 and 6 μm, more preferably between 1 and 5 μm, even more preferably between 2 and 4 μm. Preferably, the ring has a midpoint R_(3MiD) between 10 and 12 μm. Preferably the half-height peak width of the ring HHPW3 is between 1 and 4 μm, and the half height midpoint of the ring R_(3HHMID) is between 10 and 12 μm.

2^(nd) Set of Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 11 shows relative refractive index profiles of Examples 11 & 12, labeled curve 11 & 12, respectively, which are illustrative of a second set of preferred embodiments. Tables 5 and 6 list characteristics of Examples 11–12.

TABLE 5 Example 11 12 Δ_(1MAX) % 0.54 0.46 Δ_(AMAX) % 0.54 0.46 Δ_(BMAX) % 0.54 0.46 |Δ_(AMAX) − Δ_(BMAX)| μm 0 0 Δ_(1MAX) − Δ_(BMAX) μm 0 0 R₁ μm 4.0 3.6 R_(1QH) μm 3.5 3.3 α_(1B) 1.6 9.1 Δ_(2,MIN) % 0.02 0.01 R₂ μm 6.6 7.4 W₂ μm 2.6 3.8 R_(2MID) μm 5.3 5.5 Δ_(3MAX) % 0.07 0.10 R_(3HHi) μm 6.9 7.5 R_(3HHJ) μm 12.6 11.55 HHPW3 μm 5.7 4.0 R_(3HHMID) μm 9.8 9.5 R₃ = R_(CORE) μm 12.8 11.7 W₃ μm 10.2 4.3 R_(3MID) μm 7.7 9.6

TABLE 6 Example 11 12 Dispersion @ 1285 nm ps/nm-km −9.1 −8.5 Dispersion @ 1310 nm ps/nm-km −7.0 −6.5 Dispersion @ 1330 nm ps/nm-km −5.5 −5.1 Dispersion @ 1440 nm ps/nm-km 2.0 2.0 Dispersion @ 1530 nm ps/nm-km 7.3 7.0 Dispersion @ 1550 nm ps/nm-km 8.4 8.1 Dispersion @ 1565 nm ps/nm-km 9.3 8.9 Dispersion @ 1625 nm ps/nm-km 12.5 12.1 Slope @ 1550 nm ps/nm²-km 0.055 0.054 Lambda Zero nm 1397 1399 MFD @ 1550 nm um 9.02 9.33 Aeff @ 1550 nm um² 60.1 65.1 Pin Array @ 1550 nm dB 3.7 9.0 Lateral Load @ 1550 nm dB/m 0.5 1.4 Attenuation @ 1550 nm dB/km 0.195 0.198 LP11 nm 1698 1699 Cable Cutoff nm 1260 1261

Referring to FIG. 11 and applying the nomenclature of FIG. 1, an optical waveguide fiber 100 disclosed herein preferably comprises: a central region extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a central region outer radius, R₁, and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1MAX), the central region comprising a first portion, or centermost portion, the first portion extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a radius, R_(A), and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(AMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX)=Δ_(1MAX), i.e. Δ_(1MAX) occurs in the first portion, the central region further comprising a second portion surrounding and preferably directly adjacent to the first portion, the second portion extending from R_(A) to R₁ and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(BMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX) is substantially equal to Δ_(BMAX); a first annular region (or moat) 30 surrounding the central region 20 and directly adjacent thereto, extending radially outwardly to a first annular region outer radius, R₂, having a width W₂ disposed at a midpoint R_(2MID), and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r) with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2MIN), where Δ₂ % (r)≧0; a second annular region (or ring) 50 surrounding the first annular region 30 and preferably directly adjacent thereto, having a width W₃ disposed at a midpoint R_(3MID), and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r)>0, with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), wherein preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)≧0, more preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)>0; and an outer annular cladding region 200 surrounding the second annular region 50 and preferably adjacent thereto and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r). The core ends and the cladding begins at a radius r_(CORE).

The end of central core region 20, R₁, is preferably the beginning of first annular core region and is defined herein to start at a radius where a straight line approximation which passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH).

Thus, the optical fiber 100 preferably comprises three core segments: center core region 20, first annular core region 30, and second annular core region 50. In preferred embodiments, the central core region 20 includes at least a first portion having a substantially constant relative refractive index profile Δ_(1,A) % (r). The central core region 20 may also comprise a second portion adjacent and surrounding the first portion having Δ_(1,B) % (r). Preferably, the maximum Δ_(1,B) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(BMAX)) is substantially equal to the maximum Δ_(1,A) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(AMAX)), wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX), i.e. |Δ_(AMAX)−Δ_(BMAX)|, is preferably less than 0.1, and in some preferred embodiments is less than 0.05 (in %). In preferred embodiments, the relative refractive index Δ_(1,B) % (r) has an α-profile with an α_(1B), which is preferably between 1 and 10 for some, preferably most, of the second portion between r=R_(A) and r=R_(B). Preferably, Δ_(1,B) % (r) for r<R1 is greater than Δ₂ % (r) for R1<r<R2.

Preferably, Δ % (r) is greater than or equal to 0% for radii up to 15 microns, more preferably up to 30 microns, and even more preferably for all radii, i.e. from r=0 at the centerline to r=R,max, where R,max is the outermost radius of the silica-based part of the optical fiber (excluding any coating).

Central region 20 comprises a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₁ %, Δ_(1,MAX), between 0.3 and 0.8%, more preferably between 0.4 and 0.7%, even more preferably between 0.4 and 0.6%, and a radius R1 of between about 2 and 6 microns, more preferably between about 3 and 5 microns, as defined by a straight line approximation wherein a straight line passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH). The first portion of the central region 20 ends at a radius of 1 μm. Preferably, the quarter-peak height occurs at a radius between about 2 μm and about 4 μm. Preferably, Δ_(BMAX) is between 0.3 and 0.5%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is less than 0.1%, more preferably less than 0.05%.

The first annular core region 30 comprises a minimum relative refractive index or minimum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MIN), greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.1%, more preferably greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.05%, and begins at a radius of between about 2 microns and about 6 microns, more preferably at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 5 microns, and most preferably at R₁. The first annular core region 30 may have a maximum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MAX), wherein Δ_(2,MAX)≧Δ_(2,MIN). Preferably, the moat has a width W₂ of between 1 and 5 μm, more preferably between 2 and 4 μm. Preferably, the moat has a midpoint R_(2MID) between 4 and 7 μm, more preferably between 5 and 6 μm.

The end of the first annular core region 30 and the beginning of second annular core region 50 is defined herein to occur at a radius where a straight line approximation passes tangentially through the half-peak height (at R_(3HHi)) of the centermost side of second annular core region 50 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis. First annular core region 30 ends and second annular core region 50 begins between about 5 microns and about 9 microns, more preferably between about 6 microns and about 8 microns. Second annular core region 50 has a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₃ % , Δ_(3,MAX), of between about 0.05% and 0.2%, preferably between about 0.05% and 1.5%. The outer annular cladding region or cladding segment 200 is disposed adjacent and surrounding second annular core segment 50, and preferably begins from a radius of between about 10 microns and about 18 microns, more preferably between about 11 microns and about 16 microns. Δ_(1,MAX) is greater than Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ_(2,MIN), and preferably Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ₂(r) at any radius in the first annular region. Thus, Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0. Δ_(2,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(3,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(1,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(1,MAX), and in some preferred embodiments less than 0.3 Δ_(1,MAX). Preferably, the ring has a width W₃ of between 3 and 12 μm, more preferably between 4 and 11 μm. Preferably, the ring has a midpoint R_(3MiD) between 7 and 10 μm. Preferably the half-height peak width of the ring HHPW3 is between 3 and 6 μm and the half-height midpoint of the ring R_(3HMID) is between 9 and 10 μm.

3^(rd) Set of Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 12 shows relative refractive index profiles of Examples 13 & 14, labeled curve 13 & 14, respectively, which are illustrative of a third set of preferred embodiments. Tables 7 and 8 list characteristics of Examples 13–14.

TABLE 7 Example 13 14 Δ_(1MAX) % 0.60 0.63 Δ_(AMAX) % 0.60 0.63 Δ_(BMAX) % 0.58 0.54 |Δ_(AMAX) − Δ_(BMAX)| μm 0.02 0.09 Δ_(1MAX) − Δ_(BMAX) μm 0.02 0.09 R₁ μm 4.3 4.6 R_(1QH) μm 3.4 3.5 α_(1B) 0.94 0.95 Δ_(2,MIN) % 0.002 0.003 R₂ μm 10.6 11.1 W₂ μm 6.3 6.5 R_(2MID) μm 7.5 7.9 Δ_(3MAX) % 0.46 0.24 R_(3HHi) μm 10.8 11.2 R_(3HHJ) μm 11.35 12.5 HHPW3 μm 0.6 1.3 R_(3HHMID) μm 11.1 11.9 R₃ = R_(CORE) μm 11.5 12.6 W₃ μm 0.9 1.5 R_(3MID) μm 11.1 11.9

TABLE 8 Example 13 14 Dispersion @ 1285 nm ps/nm-km −10.1 −10.1 Dispersion @ 1310 nm ps/nm-km −8.0 −7.9 Dispersion @ 1330 nm ps/nm-km −6.4 −6.2 Dispersion @ 1440 nm ps/nm-km 1.2 1.8 Dispersion @ 1530 nm ps/nm-km 6.5 7.2 Dispersion @ 1550 nm ps/nm-km 7.5 8.3 Dispersion @ 1565 nm ps/nm-km 8.3 9.1 Dispersion @ 1625 nm ps/nm-km 11.4 12.3 Slope @ 1550 nm ps/nm²-km 0.053 0.055 Lambda Zero nm 1409 1399 MFD @ 1550 nm um 9.04 9.10 Aeff @ 1550 nm um² 60.2 60.9 Pin Array @ 1550 nm dB 12.6 11.4 Lateral Load @ 1550 nm dB/m 1.4 1.7 Attenuation @ 1550 nm dB/km 0.194 0.192 LP11 nm 1625 1722 Cable Cutoff nm 1187 1284

Referring to FIG. 12 and applying the nomenclature of FIG. 1, an optical waveguide fiber 100 disclosed herein preferably comprises: a central region extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a central region outer radius, R₁, and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1MAX), the central region comprising a first portion, or centermost portion, the first portion extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a radius, R_(A), and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(AMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX)=Δ_(1MAX), i.e. Δ_(1MAX) occurs in the first portion, the central region further comprising a second portion surrounding and preferably directly adjacent to the first portion, the second portion extending from R_(A) to R₁ and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(BMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX) is substantially equal to Δ_(BMAX); a first annular region (or moat) 30 surrounding the central region 20 and directly adjacent thereto, extending radially outwardly to a first annular region outer radius, R₂, having a width W₂ disposed at a midpoint R_(2MID), and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r) with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2MIN), where Δ₂ % (r)≧0; a second annular region (or ring) 50 surrounding the first annular region 30 and preferably directly adjacent thereto, having a width W₃ disposed at a midpoint R_(3MID), and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r)>0, with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), wherein preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)≧0, more preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)>0; and an outer annular cladding region 200 surrounding the second annular region 50 and preferably adjacent thereto and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r). The core ends and the cladding begins at a radius r_(CORE).

The end of central core region 20, R₁, is preferably the beginning of first annular core region and is defined herein to start at a radius where a straight line approximation which passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH).

Thus, the optical fiber 100 preferably comprises three core segments: center core region 20, first annular core region 30, and second annular core region 50. In preferred embodiments, the central core region 20 includes at least a first portion having a substantially constant relative refractive index profile Δ_(1,A) % (r). The central core region 20 may also comprise a second portion adjacent and surrounding the first portion having Δ_(1,B) % (r). Preferably, the maximum Δ_(1,B) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(BMAX)) is less than or equal to the maximum Δ_(1,A) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(AMAX)). Preferably, the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX), i.e. |Δ_(AMAX)−Δ_(BMAX)|, is less than 0.2, more preferably less than 0.1, even more preferably less than 0.05 (in %). In preferred embodiments, the relative refractive index Δ_(1,B) % (r) has an α-profile with an α_(1B), which is preferably between 0.5 and 2 for some, preferably most, of the second portion between r=R_(A) and r=R_(B), and in preferred embodiments has an α_(1B) of about 1. Preferably, Δ_(1,B) % (r) for r<R1 is greater than Δ₂ % (r) for R1<r<R2.

Preferably, Δ % (r) is greater than or equal to 0% for radii up to 15 microns, more preferably up to 30 microns, and even more preferably for all radii, i.e. from r=0 at the centerline to r=R,max, where R,max is the outermost radius of the silica-based part of the optical fiber (excluding any coating).

Central region 20 comprises a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₁ %, Δ_(1,MAX), between 0.4 and 0.8%, more preferably between 0.5 and 0.8%, even more preferably between 0.5 and 0.7%, and a radius R1 of between about 3 and 6 microns, more preferably between about 3 and 5 microns, as defined by a straight line approximation wherein a straight line passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH). The first portion of the central region 20 ends at a radius of 1 μm. Preferably, the quarter-peak height occurs at a radius between about 2 μm and about 4 μm. Preferably, Δ_(BMAX) is between 0.4 and 0.7%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is less than 0.2%, more preferably less than 0.1%.

The first annular core region 30 comprises a minimum relative refractive index or minimum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MIN), greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.1%, more preferably greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.05%, and begins at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 6 microns, more preferably at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 5 microns, and most preferably at R₁. The first annular core region 30 may have a maximum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MAX), wherein Δ_(2,MAX)≧Δ_(2,MIN). Preferably, the moat has a width W₂ of between 4 and 8 μm, more preferably between 5 and 7 μm. Preferably, the moat has a midpoint R_(2MID) between 6 and 9 μm, more preferably between 7 and 8 μm.

The end of the first annular core region 30 and the beginning of second annular core region 50 is defined herein to occur at a radius where a straight line approximation passes tangentially through the half-peak height (at R_(3HHi)) of the centermost side of second annular core region 50 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis. First annular core region 30 ends and second annular core region 50 begins between about 9 microns and about 12 microns, more preferably between about 10 microns and about 12 microns. Second annular core region 50 has a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₃ %, Δ_(3,MAX), of between about 0.1% and 0.6%, preferably between about 0.2% and 0.5%. The outer annular cladding region or cladding segment 200 is disposed adjacent and surrounding second annular core segment 50, and preferably begins from a radius of between about 10 microns and about 18 microns, more preferably between about 11 microns and about 16 microns. Δ_(1,MAX) is greater than Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ_(2,MIN), and preferably Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ₂(r) at any radius in the first annular region. Thus, Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0. Δ_(2,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(3,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is preferably less than 0.9 Δ_(1,MAX), more preferably less than 0.8 Δ_(1,MAX), and in some preferred embodiments less than 0.5 Δ_(1,MAX). Preferably, the ring has a width W₃ of between 0.5 and 3 μm, more preferably between 1 and 2 μm. Preferably, the ring has a midpoint R_(3MiD) between 10 and 12 μm. Preferably the half-height peak width of the ring HHPW3 is between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm and the half-height midpoint of the ring R_(3HMID) is between 11 μm and 12 μm.

4^(th) Set of Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 13 shows relative refractive index profiles of Examples 15 & 16, labeled curve 15 & 16, respectively, which are illustrative of a fourth set of preferred embodiments. Tables 9 and 10 list characteristics of Examples 15–16.

TABLE 9 Example 15 16 Δ_(1MAX) % 0.73 0.71 Δ_(AMAX) % 0.21 0.19 Δ_(BMAX) % 0.73 0.71 |Δ_(AMAX) − Δ_(BMAX)| μm 0.52 0.52 Δ_(1MAX) − Δ_(BMAX) μm 0.52 0.52 R₁ μm 3.4 3.6 R_(1QH) μm 3.0 3.1 α_(1B) 1.2 1.1 Δ_(2,MIN) % 0.01 0.01 R₂ μm 9.4 8.9 W₂ μm 6 5.3 R_(2MID) μm 6.4 6.3 Δ_(3MAX) % 0.25 0.11 R_(3HHi) μm 9.5 9.0 R_(3HHJ) μm 10.65 11.8 HHPW3 μm 1.2 2.8 R_(3HHMID) μm 10.1 10.4 R₃ = R_(CORE) μm 10.8 12.0 W₃ μm 1.4 3.1 R_(3MID) μm 10.1 10.5

TABLE 10 Example 15 16 Dispersion @ 1285 nm ps/nm-km −9.4 −9.6 Dispersion @ 1310 nm ps/nm-km −7.3 −7.5 Dispersion @ 1330 nm ps/nm-km −5.8 −5.9 Dispersion @ 1440 nm ps/nm-km 1.7 1.6 Dispersion @ 1530 nm ps/nm-km 6.8 6.9 Dispersion @ 1550 nm ps/nm-km 7.6 8.0 Dispersion @ 1565 nm ps/nm-km 8.7 8.8 Dispersion @ 1625 nm ps/nm-km 11.9 12.0 Slope @ 1550 nm ps/nm²-km 0.054 0.054 Lambda Zero nm 1403 1404 MFD @ 1550 nm um 9.25 9.30 Aeff @ 1550 nm um² 66.3 66.5 Pin Array @ 1550 nm dB 11.1 12.5 Lateral Load @ 1550 nm dB/m 1.4 1.6 Attenuation @ 1550 nm dB/km 0.215 0.214 LP11 nm 1628 1642 Cable Cutoff nm 1190 1204

Referring to FIG. 13 and applying the nomenclature of FIG. 1, an optical waveguide fiber 100 disclosed herein preferably comprises: a central region extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a central region outer radius, R₁, and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1MAX), the central region comprising a first portion, or centermost portion, the first portion extending radially outwardly from the centerline to a radius, R_(A), and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(AMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX)=Δ_(1MAX), i.e. Δ_(1MAX) occurs in the first portion, the central region further comprising a second portion surrounding and preferably directly adjacent to the first portion, the second portion extending from R_(A) to R₁ and having a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(BMAX), wherein Δ_(AMAX) is substantially equal to Δ_(BMAX); a first annular region (or moat) 30 surrounding the central region 20 and directly adjacent thereto, extending radially outwardly to a first annular region outer radius, R₂, having a width W₂ disposed at a midpoint R_(2MID), and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r) with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2MIN), where Δ₂ % (r)≧0; a second annular region (or ring) 50 surrounding the first annular region 30 and preferably directly adjacent thereto, having a width W₃ disposed at a midpoint R_(3MID), and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r)>0, with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX), wherein preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)≧0, more preferably Δ_(1MAX)>Δ_(3MAX)>Δ_(2MIN)>0; and an outer annular cladding region 200 surrounding the second annular region 50 and preferably adjacent thereto and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r). The core ends and the cladding begins at a radius r_(CORE).

The end of central core region 20, R₁, is preferably the beginning of first annular core region and is defined herein to start at a radius where a straight line approximation which passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=axis at R_(1QH).

Thus, the optical fiber 100 preferably comprises three core segments: center core region 20, first annular core region 30, and second annular core region 50. In preferred embodiments, the central core region 20 includes at least a first portion having a substantially constant relative refractive index profile Δ_(1,A) % (r). The central core region 20 may also comprise a second portion adjacent and surrounding the first portion having Δ_(1,B) % (r). Preferably, the maximum Δ_(1,B) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(BMAX)) is greater than the maximum Δ_(1,A) % (r) (i.e. Δ_(AMAX)). Preferably, the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX), i.e. |Δ_(AMAX)−Δ_(BMAX)|, is greater than 0.2, more preferably greater than 0.3, even more preferably greater than 0.4, still more preferably between 0.4 and 0.7 (in %). In preferred embodiments, the relative refractive index Δ_(1,B) % (r) has an α-profile with an α_(1B), which is preferably between 0.5 and 2 for some, preferably most, of the second portion between r=R_(A) and r=R_(B), and in preferred embodiments has an α_(1B) of about 1. Preferably, Δ_(1,B) % (r) for r<R1 is greater than Δ₂ % (r) for R1<r<R2.

Preferably, Δ % (r) is greater than or equal to 0% for radii up to 15 microns, more preferably up to 30 microns, and even more preferably for all radii, i.e. from r=0 at the centerline to r=R,max, where R,max is the outermost radius of the silica-based part of the optical fiber (excluding any coating).

Central region 20 comprises a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₁ %, Δ_(1,MAX), between 0.5 and 0.9%, more preferably between 0.5 and 0.8%, even more preferably between 0.6 and 0.8%, and a radius R1 of between about 3 and 6 microns, more preferably between about 3 and 5 microns, as defined by a straight line approximation wherein a straight line passes tangentially through the quarter-peak height of the central region 20 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis at R_(1QH). The first portion of the central region 20 ends at a radius of 1 μm. Preferably, the quarter-peak height occurs at a radius between about 2 μm and about 4 μm. Preferably, Δ_(BMAX) is between 0.4 and 0.7%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.4%, more preferably greater than 0.5%. Preferably, the difference between Δ_(1MAX) and Δ_(AMAX) is greater than 0.4%, more preferably >0.5%.

The first annular core region 30 comprises a minimum relative refractive index or minimum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MIN), greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.1%, more preferably greater than or equal to 0 and less than 0.05%, and begins at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 6 microns, more preferably at a radius of between about 3 microns and about 5 microns, and most preferably at R₁. The first annular core region 30 may have a maximum Δ₂ %, Δ_(2,MAX), wherein Δ_(2,MAX)≧Δ_(2,MIN). Preferably, the moat has a width W₂ of between 4 and 7 μm, more preferably between 5 and 6 μm. Preferably, the moat has a midpoint R_(2MID) between 4 and 8 μm, more preferably between 5 and 7 μm.

The end of the first annular core region 30 and the beginning of second annular core region 50 is defined herein to occur at a radius where a straight line approximation passes tangentially through the half-peak height (at R_(3HHi)) of the centermost side of second annular core region 50 and is extrapolated to intersect with the Δ %=0 axis. First annular core region 30 ends and second annular core region 50 begins between about 7 microns and about 11 microns, more preferably between about 8 microns and about 10 microns. Second annular core region 50 has a maximum relative refractive index or peak Δ₃ %, Δ_(3,MAX), of between about 0.05% and 0.4%, preferably between about 0.05% and 0.3%. The outer annular cladding region or cladding segment 200 is disposed adjacent and surrounding second annular core segment 50, and preferably begins from a radius of between about 10 microns and about 18 microns, more preferably between about 10 microns and about 16 microns. Δ_(1,MAX) is greater than Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ_(2,MIN), and preferably Δ_(3,MAX) is greater than Δ₂(r) at any radius in the first annular region. Thus, Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0. Δ_(2,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(3,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(3,MAX). Δ_(3,MAX) is preferably less than 0.5 Δ_(1,MAX), more preferably less than 0.4 Δ_(1,MAX). Preferably, the ring has a width W₃ of between 0.5 and 5 μm, more preferably between 1 and 4 μm. Preferably, the ring has a midpoint R_(3MiD) between 10 and 11 μm. Preferably the half-height peak width of the ring HHPW3 is between 1 μm and 3 μm and the half-height midpoint of the ring R_(3HHID) is between 10 μm and 11 μm.

Preferably, the optical fiber disclosed herein is capable of transmitting optical signals in the 1260 nm to 1625 nm wavelength range.

Preferably, the fibers disclosed herein are made by a vapor deposition process. Even more preferably, the fibers disclosed herein are made by an outside vapor deposition (OVD) process. Thus, for example, known OVD laydown, consolidation, and draw techniques may be advantageously used to produce the optical waveguide fiber disclosed herein. Other processes, such as modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) or vapor axial deposition (VAD) or plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD) may be used. Thus, the refractive indices and the cross sectional profile of the optical waveguide fibers disclosed herein can be accomplished using manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art including, but in no way limited to, OVD, VAD and MCVD processes.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation (not to scale) of an optical waveguide fiber 100 as disclosed herein having core 101 and an outer annular cladding or outer cladding layer or clad layer 200 directly adjacent and surrounding the core 101.

Preferably, the cladding contains no germania or fluorine dopants therein. More preferably, the cladding 200 of the optical fiber disclosed herein is pure or substantially pure silica. The clad layer 200 may be comprised of a cladding material which was deposited, for example during a laydown process, or which was provided in the form of a jacketing, such as a tube in a rod-in-tube optical perform arrangement, or a combination of deposited material and a jacket. The clad layer 200 may include one or more dopants. The clad layer 200 is surrounded by a primary coating P and a secondary coating S. The refractive index of the cladding 200 is used to calculate the relative refractive index percentage as discussed elsewhere herein.

Referring to the Figures, the clad layer 200 has a refractive index of n_(c) surrounding the core which is defined to have a Δ(r)=0%, which is used to calculate the refractive index percentage of the various portions or regions of an optical fiber or optical fiber perform.

Preferably, the optical fiber disclosed herein has a silica-based core and cladding. In preferred embodiments, the cladding has an outer diameter, 2*R,max, of about 125 μm. Preferably, the outer diameter of the cladding has a constant diameter along the length of the optical fiber. In preferred embodiments, the refractive index of the optical fiber has radial symmetry. Preferably, the outer diameter of the core has a constant diameter along the length of the optical fiber. Preferably, one or more coatings surround and are in contact with the cladding. The coating is preferably a polymer coating such as acrylate. Preferably the coating has a constant diameter, radially and along the length of the fiber.

As shown in FIG. 15, an optical fiber 100 as disclosed herein may be implemented in an optical fiber communication system 330. System 330 includes a transmitter 334 and a receiver 336, wherein optical fiber 100 allows transmission of an optical signal between transmitter 334 and receiver 336. System 330 is preferably capable of 2-way communication, and transmitter 334 and receiver 336 are shown for illustration only. The system 330 preferably includes a link which has a section or a span of optical fiber as disclosed herein. The system 330 may also include one or more optical devices optically connected to one or more sections or spans of optical fiber as disclosed herein, such as one or more regenerators, amplifiers, or dispersion compensating modules. In at least one preferred embodiment, an optical fiber communication system according to the present invention comprises a transmitter and receiver connected by an optical fiber without the presence of a regenerator therebetween. In another preferred embodiment, an optical fiber communication system according to the present invention comprises a transmitter and receiver connected by an optical fiber without the presence of an amplifier therebetween. In yet another preferred embodiment, an optical fiber communication system according to the present invention comprises a transmitter and receiver connected by an optical fiber having neither an amplifier nor a regenerator nor a repeater therebetween.

Preferably, the optical fibers disclosed herein have a low water content, and preferably are low water peak optical fibers, i.e. having an attenuation curve which exhibits a relatively low, or no, water peak in a particular wavelength region, especially in the E-band.

Methods of producing low water peak optical fiber can be found in PCT Application Publication Numbers WO00/64825, WO01/47822, and WO02/051761, the contents of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

A soot perform or soot body is preferably formed by chemically reacting at least some of the constituents of a moving fluid mixture including at least one glass-forming precursor compound in an oxidizing medium to form a silica-based reaction product. At least a portion of this reaction product is directed toward a substrate, to form a porous silica body, at least a portion of which typically includes hydrogen bonded to oxygen. The soot body may be formed, for example, by depositing layers of soot onto a bait rod via an OVD process.

A substrate or bait rod or mandrel is inserted through a glass body such as a hollow or tubular handle and mounted on a lathe. The lathe is designed to rotate and translate the mandrel in close proximity with a soot-generating burner. As the mandrel is rotated and translated, silica-based reaction product, known generally as soot, is directed toward the mandrel. At least a portion of silica-based reaction product is deposited on the mandrel and on a portion of the handle to form a body thereon.

Once the desired quantity of soot has been deposited on the mandrel, soot deposition is terminated and the mandrel is removed from the soot body.

Upon removal of the mandrel, the soot body defines a centerline hole passing axially therethrough. Preferably, the soot body is suspended by a handle on a downfeed device and positioned within a consolidation furnace. The end of the centerline hole remote from the handle is preferably fitted with a bottom plug prior to positioning the soot body within the consolidation furnace. Preferably, the bottom plug is positioned and held in place with respect to the soot body by friction fit. The plug is further preferably tapered to facilitate entry and to allow at least temporary affixing, and at least loosely, within the soot body.

The soot body is preferably chemically dried, for example, by exposing soot body to a chlorine-containing atmosphere at elevated temperature within consolidation furnace. A chlorine-containing atmosphere effectively removes water and other impurities from soot body, which otherwise would have an undesirable effect on the properties of the optical waveguide fiber manufactured from the soot body. In an OVD formed soot body, the chlorine flows sufficiently through the soot to effectively dry the entire perform, including the centerline region surrounding centerline hole.

Following the chemical drying step, the temperature of the furnace is elevated to a temperature sufficient to consolidate the soot blank into a sintered glass perform, preferably about 1500° C. The centerline hole is then closed during the consolidation step so that the centerline hole does not have an opportunity to be rewetted by a hydrogen compound prior to centerline hole closure. Preferably, the centerline region has a weighted average OH content of less than about 1 ppb.

Exposure of the centerline hole to an atmosphere containing a hydrogen compound can thus be significantly reduced or prevented by closing the centerline hole during consolidation.

As described above and elsewhere herein, the plugs are preferably glass bodies having a water content of less than about 31 ppm by weight, such as fused quartz plugs, and preferably less than 5 ppb by weight, such as chemically dried silica plugs. Typically, such plugs are dried in a chlorine-containing atmosphere, but an atmosphere containing other chemical drying agents are equally applicable. Ideally, the glass plugs will have a water content of less than 1 ppb by weight. In addition, the glass plugs are preferably thin walled plugs ranging in thickness from about 200 μm to about 2 mm. Even more preferably, at least a portion of a top plug has a wall thickness of about 0.2 to about 0.5 mm. More preferably still, elongated portion 66 has a wall thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 0.4 mm. Thinner walls promote diffusion, but are more susceptible to breakage during handling.

Thus, inert gas is preferably diffused from the centerline hole after the centerline hole has been sealed to create a passive vacuum within the centerline hole, and thin walled glass plugs can facilitate rapid diffusion of the inert gas from the centerline hole. The thinner the plug, the greater the rate of diffusion. A consolidated glass perform is preferably heated to an elevated temperature which is sufficient to stretch the glass perform, preferably about 1950° C. to about 2100° C., and thereby reduce the diameter of the perform to form a cylindrical glass body, such as a core cane or an optical fiber, wherein the centerline hole collapses to form a solid centerline region. The reduced pressure maintained within the sealed centerline hole created passively during consolidation is generally sufficient to facilitate complete centerline hole closure during the draw (or redraw) process. Consequently, overall lower O—H overtone optical attenuation can be achieved. For example, the water peak at 1383 nm, as well as at other OH induced water peaks, such as at 950 nm or 1240 nm, can be lowered, and even virtually eliminated.

A low water peak generally provides lower attenuation losses, particularly for transmission signals between about 1340 nm and about 1470 nm. Furthermore, a low water peak also affords improved pump efficiency of a pump light emitting device which is optically coupled to the optical fiber, such as a Raman pump or Raman amplifier which may operate at one or more pump wavelengths. Preferably, a Raman amplifier pumps at one or more wavelengths which are about 100 nm lower than any desired operating wavelength or wavelength region. For example, an optical fiber carrying an operating signal at wavelength of around 1550 nm may be pumped with a Raman amplifier at a pump wavelength of around 1450 nm. Thus, the lower fiber attenuation in the wavelength region from about 1400 nm to about 1500 nm would tend to decrease the pump attenuation and increase the pump efficiency, e.g. gain per mW of pump power, especially for pump wavelengths around 1400 nm. Generally, for greater OH impurities in a fiber, the water peak grows in width as well as in height. Therefore, a wider choice of more efficient operation, whether for operating signal wavelengths or amplification with pump wavelengths, is afforded by the smaller water peak. Thus, reducing OH impurities can reduce losses between, for example, for wavelengths between about 1260 nm to about 1650 nm, and in particular reduced losses can be obtained in the 1383 nm water peak region thereby resulting in more efficient system operation.

The fibers disclosed herein exhibit low PMD values particulary when fabricated with OVD processes. Spinning of the optical fiber may also lower PMD values for the fiber disclosed herein.

All of the optical fibers disclosed herein can be employed in an optical signal transmission system, which preferably comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and an optical transmission line. The optical transmission line is optically coupled to the transmitter and receiver. The optical transmission line preferably comprises at least one optical fiber span, which preferably comprises at least one section of optical fiber.

The system preferably further comprises at least one amplifier, such as a Raman amplifier, optically coupled to the optical fiber section.

The system further preferably comprises a multiplexer for interconnecting a plurality of channels capable of carrying optical signals onto the optical transmission line, wherein at least one, more preferably at least three, and most preferably at least ten optical signals propagate at a wavelength between about 1260 nm and 1625 nm. Preferably, at least one signal propagates in one or more of the following wavelength regions: the 1310 nm band, the E-band, the S-band, the C-band, and the L-band.

In some preferred embodiments, the system is capable of operating in a coarse wavelength division multiplex mode wherein one or more signals propagate in at least one, more preferably at least two of the following wavelength regions: the 1310 nm band, the E-band, the S-band, the C-band, and the L-band. In one preferred embodiment, the system operates at one or more wavelengths between 1530 and 1565 nm.

In one preferred embodiment, the system comprises a section of optical fiber as disclosed herein having a length of not more than 20 km. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a section of optical fiber as disclosed herein having a length of greater than 20 km. In yet another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a section of optical fiber as disclosed herein having a length of greater than 70 km.

In one preferred embodiment, the system operates at less than or equal to about 1 Gbit/s. In another preferred embodiment, the system operates at less than or equal to about 2 Gbit/s. In yet another preferred embodiment, the system operates at less than or equal to about 10 Gbit/s. In still another preferred embodiment, the system operates at less than or equal to about 40 Gbit/s. In yet another preferred embodiment, the system operates at greater than or equal to about 40 Gbit/s.

In a preferred embodiment, a system disclosed herein comprises an optical source, an optical fiber as disclosed herein optically coupled to the optical source, and a receiver optically coupled to the optical fiber for receiving the optical signals transmitted through the optical fiber, the optical source having the capability of dithering, and/or phase modulating, and/or amplitude modulating, the optical signal generated by the optical source, and the optical signal is received by the receiver.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is exemplary of the invention only and is intended to provide an overview for the understanding of the nature and character of the invention as it is defined by the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated and constitute part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various features and embodiments of the invention which, together with their description, serve to explain the principals and operation of the invention. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the invention as described herein can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. An optical waveguide fiber comprising: a central core region extending radially outward from a centerline to a radius R₁ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1,MAX), wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>0.6%; a first annular region surrounding the central core region and extending to a radius R₂ and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r), with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2,MIN); a second annular region surrounding the first annular region and extending to a radius R₃ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX); and an outer annular cladding region surrounding the second annular region and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r); wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0; wherein the relative refractive index of the optical fiber is selected to provide an effective area of greater than about 60 μm² at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a dispersion slope of less than 0.06 ps/nm²/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, an attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of less than 0.22 dB/km, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of between 1380 and 1420 nm.
 2. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm is less than 0.20 dB/km.
 3. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the fiber has a dispersion at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of between 6 and 10 ps/nm-km.
 4. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the fiber has a dispersion at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of between 7 and 9 ps/nm-km.
 5. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the central core region extends to a radius of between 3 and 5 μm.
 6. The optical fiber of claim 5 wherein the first annular region has a width of between about 3 and 7 μm, and a midpoint of between 5 and 8 μm.
 7. The optical fiber of claim 6 wherein the second annular region has a width of between about 1 and 5 μm, and a midpoint of between 10 and 12 μm.
 8. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the outer annular cladding region surrounds and is directly adjacent to the second annular region, wherein the outer annular cladding region begins at R₃, and wherein Δ_(c) % (r)=0.
 9. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the central core region comprises a centermost portion extending from the centerline to a radius of 1 μm, and a second portion surrounding and directly adjacent to the centermost portion, wherein the centermost portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(AMAX), wherein the second portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(BMAX), and wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.2%.
 10. The optical fiber of claim 9 wherein Δ_(AMAX)>Δ_(BMAX).
 11. The optical fiber of claim 9 wherein Δ_(BMAX)>Δ_(AMAX).
 12. The optical fiber of claim 9 wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.4%.
 13. The optical fiber of claim 1 wherein the outer annular cladding region begins at R₃, wherein R₃ is between 11 and 18 μm.
 14. A system comprising an optical source, a receiver, and the optical fiber of claim 1 optically connecting the optical source and the receiver, wherein the optical source is capable of generating optical signals in a wavelength range of 1530 to 1565 nm.
 15. An optical waveguide fiber comprising: a central core region extending radially outward from a centerline to a radius R₁ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1,MAX), wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>0.6%; a first annular region surrounding the central core region and extending to a radius R₂ and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r), with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2,MIN); a second annular region surrounding the first annular region and extending to a radius R₃ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX); and an outer annular cladding region surrounding the second annular region and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r); wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0. wherein the relative refractive index of the optical fiber is selected to provide an effective area of greater than about 60 μm² at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, an attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of less than 0.22 dB/km, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of less than about 1450 nm; and wherein the central core region comprises a centermost portion extending from the centerline to a radius of 1 μm, and a second portion surrounding and directly adjacent to the centermost portion, wherein the centermost portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(AMAX), wherein the second portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(BMAX), and wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.2%.
 16. The optical fiber of claim 15 wherein Δ_(AMAX)>Δ_(BMAX).
 17. The optical fiber of claim 15 wherein Δ_(BMAX)>Δ_(AMAX).
 18. An optical waveguide fiber comprising: a central core region extending radially outward from a centerline to a radius R₁ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₁ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(1,MAX), wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>0.6%; a first annular region surrounding the central core region and extending to a radius R₂ and having a non-negative relative refractive index percent, Δ₂ % (r), with a minimum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(2,MIN); a second annular region surrounding the first annular region and extending to a radius R₃ and having a positive relative refractive index percent, Δ₃ % (r) with a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ_(3,MAX); and an outer annular cladding region surrounding the second annular region and having a relative refractive index percent, Δ_(c) % (r); wherein Δ_(1,MAX)>Δ_(3,MAX)>Δ_(2,MIN)≧0; wherein the relative refractive index of the optical fiber is selected to provide an effective area of greater than about 60 μm² at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, a dispersion slope of less than 0.06 ps/nm²/km at a wavelength of about 1550 nm, an attenuation at a wavelength of about 1550 nm of less than 0.22 dB/km, and a zero-dispersion wavelength of less than about 1450 nm; and wherein the central core region comprises a centermost portion extending from the centerline to a radius of 1 μm, and a second portion surrounding and directly adjacent to the centermost portion, wherein the centermost portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(AMAX), wherein the second portion has a maximum relative refractive index Δ_(BMAX), and wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.2%.
 19. The optical fiber of claim 18 wherein Δ_(AMAX)>Δ_(BMAX).
 20. The optical fiber of claim 18 wherein Δ_(BMAX)>Δ_(AMAX).
 21. The optical fiber of claim 18 wherein the absolute magnitude of the difference between Δ_(AMAX) and Δ_(BMAX) is greater than 0.4%. 